Plan your getaway to Madrid now

How long has it been since you treated yourself to a proper getaway? One of those trips that pulls you out of your routine, fills your phone with new photos, and leaves you thinking, “I should have stayed one more day.” If you’re looking for a destination that has it all… it’s time for a getaway to Madrid!

We’ll tell you right now: this is a city packed with culture, neighbourhoods full of character, history, and plenty of life. Keep reading, because we’re about to give you all the reasons you need to make your next unforgettable getaway to Madrid.

Why plan a getaway to Madrid?

Madrid is the perfect city for a short midweek break, a weekend trip, or even a longer stay. It doesn’t matter if you come alone, as a couple, with friends, or with the whole family. And it’s just as good in spring, summer, autumn, or winter: there’s always something to do, see, and taste.

Whether you come by train, plane or car, as soon as you arrive, you’ll feel Madrid’s rhythm: people on terraces, museums everywhere, and a host of markets, neighbourhoods, and squares brimming with art and things to do.

Main sights to see in Madrid

It might seem impossible, but you can see a lot on a Madrid getaway if you organise yourself well. Here are some of the must-sees!

Puerta del Sol and its surroundings

Puerta del Sol is the heart of the city and the perfect starting point for your Madrid adventure. From the famous kilometre zero point, you can walk to Plaza Mayor, one of the country’s most iconic squares—perfect for photos, grabbing a bite, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.

From here, head to the majestic Royal Palace, one of the largest in Western Europe. You can visit inside and wander through its halls, armouries, and tapestries.

Right opposite is the Almudena Cathedral, with free entry. Here you can see its vast neo-Romanesque crypt, the cloister, and an impressive main façade—although the best part is the terrace, with spectacular views over the city.

Paseo del Prado

If you want to keep immersing yourself in art and culture, head straight to the Paseo del Prado, also known as the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk).

Within just a few metres you’ll find the world-famous Prado Museum, with works by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, and Bosch; the Reina Sofía Museum, home to Picasso’s Guernica and pieces by Dalí and Miró; and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, ideal for discovering everything from Gothic art to pop art.

While you’re in the area, take a stroll through the Botanical Garden or stop by CaixaForum, with its vertical garden and always-surprising temporary exhibitions.

El Retiro

The Buen Retiro Park is Madrid’s green lung and the perfect place to relax and stroll. Here you must see the Crystal Palace, the Velázquez Palace, the Fallen Angel—one of the few statues dedicated to the devil in the world—and, of course… go for a boat ride on the lake!

If rowing isn’t your thing, just enjoy the scenery and atmosphere. Don’t forget it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site—a paradise of nature right in the city.

Temple of Debod

One day during your Madrid getaway, make time to visit and walk up to the Temple of Debod, a genuine Egyptian temple gifted to Spain in the 1960s. It’s in the Parque del Oeste, and if you go at sunset, you’ll enjoy one of the best sunsets in Madrid, with direct views over Casa de Campo and the rest of the city.

El Rastro

Another must if your Madrid getaway falls on a Sunday is to visit El Rastro, the city’s most famous market. It’s held in the morning around Plaza de Cascorro and stretches along streets like Ribera de Curtidores and San Cayetano.

Here you can find antiques, clothes, books, collectables, and a thousand other curiosities. Even if you don’t buy anything, the stroll is well worth it. And to top it off, have a draught vermouth with a tapa in any of the bars in the La Latina neighbourhood. Trust us: they’re all delicious.

Enjoy its neighbourhoods

Madrid is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own charm. Malasaña is the most alternative, with vintage shops, retro bars, independent bookshops, and plenty of street art.

Chueca is modern, diverse, colourful, and always lively—one of the city’s most vibrant areas, day or night.

La Latina is perfect for tapas. Its streets, like Cava Baja or Cava Alta, are packed with traditional bars and modern gastropubs.

And if we’re talking about diversity, Lavapiés is the most multicultural neighbourhood. Here you can taste flavours from all over the world, see street art, visit alternative galleries, and soak up a unique atmosphere that’s almost impossible to describe.

How many of these will you add to your Madrid getaway list?

Where to eat and what to try in Madrid

In this city, food is almost a religion. Here, people don’t eat out of necessity—they eat for pleasure. So if you’re heading to Madrid, come hungry.

Start with a classic: a calamari sandwich near Plaza Mayor—we recommend Bar La Campana—or try one at a legendary spot like El Brillante, opposite Atocha.

Fancy something sweet? There’s no excuse: churros with chocolate—and porras too—are sacred. And if you’re going to try them, do it at San Ginés, Madrid’s most famous chocolate shop. It’s just steps from Sol and still has a 19th-century café feel that transports you to another era.

Don’t leave without trying some good patatas bravas, Casa Lucio’s huevos rotos, a creamy tortilla, a comforting cocido madrileño, or a perfectly poured vermouth in any neighbourhood tavern.

If you visit Madrid during San Isidro—in May—don’t miss the saint’s rosquillas: the “tontas” (plain) and the “listas” (sugar-coated).

For a bit of everything, pop into Mercado de San Miguel: quick, delicious, and with plenty of variety.

And if you’re after fine dining, Madrid has no shortage of Michelin-starred restaurants, modern concepts, and international fusions. Eating well here is no mystery.

Tips for making the most of your Madrid getaway

Here are some tips you might already know or have thought of, but they’ll make your trip much easier.

First: use the metro. It’s fast, cheap, and gets you almost anywhere in the city. And when you’re not underground, walk as much as you can. Many of Madrid’s best things aren’t on the map—they’re right at street level.

Another thing: buy tickets in advance, especially if you want to visit museums like the Prado or Reina Sofía, or if you’re planning to see one of Madrid’s top plays or a musical. You’ll save yourself queues, waiting, and disappointment.

It’ll also help a lot to stay in the city centre, near areas like Sol, Gran Vía, or Atocha. From there, you can walk to almost everywhere and make the most of every minute of your Madrid getaway.

If you have time to spare or want to make a stop on your way home, check out these beautiful villages near Madrid—some are less than an hour away and are perfect for rounding off your trip.

And one last tip: talk to the locals and ask about everything. You’ll be surprised how good their recommendations are.

Why is Madrid the perfect destination for a getaway?

Because there’s always something happening in Madrid. You can stroll through centuries of history, eat like royalty, discover new corners, be moved in a theatre, or simply let yourself be swept up by the atmosphere. There’s nothing missing here!

Not keen on putting together an itinerary? No problem—we’ve already done the work for you: here’s the best of Madrid in 3 days, all organised so you just have to follow the plan. And accommodation? Don’t stress about that either. On our website, you’ll find lofts, studios, apartments, and much more, all well located and with incredible prices, whether you’re coming for a weekend or planning to stay for months.

Treat yourself to a getaway to Madrid with Waou Rentals and get ready to enjoy a city that always surprises.